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DIGITAL MAGAZINE

July 2024

DIGITAL MAGAZINE

July 2024

July 2024

The Aletsch Glacier, largest of Switzerland's 1800 glaciers

Introduction: Praying for the ice (and snow, and water) as the climate changes

As the planet warms up, glaciers melt, springs run dry, and brooks evaporate. Plants, animals, and human beings face grave danger. But it is not too late to act.
The Aletsch Glacier, largest of Switzerland's 1800 glaciers

Introduction: Praying for the ice (and snow, and water) as the climate changes

As the planet warms up, glaciers melt, springs run dry, and brooks evaporate. Plants, animals, and human beings face grave danger. But it is not too late to act.
Fisherman on the Conejos River in Colorado.

Peak water in an era of climate change

Understanding the concept of “peak water” and the strategies behind it is key to moving toward a more efficient and sustainable water future.
aerial view of ice calving in Greenland

Figuring out the most realistic projections for sea-level rise: Interview with glaciologist Rob DeConto

A glaciologist explains why there is “deep uncertainty” about the predictions for sea-level rise by the end of this century—which may be much higher than commonly accepted.
Two scenarios for the melting of the Alps' largest glacier

The Alps’ iconic glaciers are melting, but there’s still time to save (most of) the biggest

Glaciers are the ambassadors of climate change, and their worldwide decline is already having serious impacts on natural hazards, the water cycle, and sea level rise.
dandelion mural on side of 12-story city building

“H is For Hope” sounded a bit better than “D is For Despair”: Interview with Elizabeth Kolbert about climate change

Elizabeth Kolbert explains why there is still reason for optimism in the fight against climate change—even if time is short and the odds can seem overwhelming.
red research ship next to edge of Antarctic ice

When glaciers calve: Huge underwater tsunamis found at edge of Antarctica, likely affecting ice melt

Scientists recently discovered when the fronts of glaciers “calve” huge chunks of ice into the ocean, the underwater tsunamis that result can spread for miles and cause strong bursts of mixing of the different layer of warm and cold ocean water. This surprising finding is changing the way we think about mixing close to Antarctica, what causes it, and how it matters.
mountain peaks projecting up above a surface of inland ice and snow in West Antarctica

How we know Antarctica is rapidly losing more ice

Satellite observations and geophysical surveys of the flow and form of Antarctica's giant ice sheet point to a continent being changed irreversibly by fossil-fuel burning.
map showing water-related conflicts over thousands of years

4,000 years of conflict over water: a timeline

Water can be a trigger of conflict, a casualty of conflict, or a weapon of conflict. In modern times, water-related conflicts are increasing.

North Korean nuclear weapons, 2024

North Korea continues to modernize and grow its nuclear weapons arsenal. We estimate that North Korea may have produced enough fissile material for up to 90 nuclear warheads, but has likely assembled around 50.
Fisherman on the Conejos River in Colorado.

Peak water in an era of climate change

Understanding the concept of “peak water” and the strategies behind it is key to moving toward a more efficient and sustainable water future.
aerial view of ice calving in Greenland

Figuring out the most realistic projections for sea-level rise: Interview with glaciologist Rob DeConto

A glaciologist explains why there is “deep uncertainty” about the predictions for sea-level rise by the end of this century—which may be much higher than commonly accepted.
Two scenarios for the melting of the Alps' largest glacier

The Alps’ iconic glaciers are melting, but there’s still time to save (most of) the biggest

Glaciers are the ambassadors of climate change, and their worldwide decline is already having serious impacts on natural hazards, the water cycle, and sea level rise.
dandelion mural on side of 12-story city building

“H is For Hope” sounded a bit better than “D is For Despair”: Interview with Elizabeth Kolbert about climate change

Elizabeth Kolbert explains why there is still reason for optimism in the fight against climate change—even if time is short and the odds can seem overwhelming.
red research ship next to edge of Antarctic ice

When glaciers calve: Huge underwater tsunamis found at edge of Antarctica, likely affecting ice melt

Scientists recently discovered when the fronts of glaciers “calve” huge chunks of ice into the ocean, the underwater tsunamis that result can spread for miles and cause strong bursts of mixing of the different layer of warm and cold ocean water. This surprising finding is changing the way we think about mixing close to Antarctica, what causes it, and how it matters.
mountain peaks projecting up above a surface of inland ice and snow in West Antarctica

How we know Antarctica is rapidly losing more ice

Satellite observations and geophysical surveys of the flow and form of Antarctica's giant ice sheet point to a continent being changed irreversibly by fossil-fuel burning.
map showing water-related conflicts over thousands of years

4,000 years of conflict over water: a timeline

Water can be a trigger of conflict, a casualty of conflict, or a weapon of conflict. In modern times, water-related conflicts are increasing.

North Korean nuclear weapons, 2024

North Korea continues to modernize and grow its nuclear weapons arsenal. We estimate that North Korea may have produced enough fissile material for up to 90 nuclear warheads, but has likely assembled around 50.

July 2024

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Albert Einstein in Washington, D.C., between 1921 and 1923. Harris & Ewing, photographers. Courtesy of the Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2016885961/

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